Straight Braided Line???

[SlapShot268]

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[BASSHUNTER1961]

I use a leader on all my braid except when throwing frogs. I feel using a leader with baits such as worms give the baot a more realistic presentation. One of the biggest reasons I use a leader is to be able break free if hooking a stump or any other object. I have tied direct to hooks before, and have caught fish, so it really works with or without a leader....... Go fish and have fun..

[Busy]

I don't usually use a leader. Most of the time I am fishing stained water. I personally prefer 20# braid which is pretty thin, thinner than an 8# leader I think. I might use a leader if I used 50# braid, but I don't feel the need.

[islandbass]

My experience through personal observation is that they can see the line and very easily braid or not. Depending on their mood or activity level, seeing the line was sometimes not even close to being a deterrent to attacking my lure and I'm talking face to face and close enough that I could have touched them with my rod tip.

The water was also clear to the bottom and about six ft deep.

Point is that them seeing the line can be a factor but not always.

[Bair]

For me, I will run straight braid if its a reaction bait, otherwise I put a leader on it.

[S Hovanec]

I did a little experiment during my vacation in June while fishing on Erie. 2 set-ups, almost identical (both custom St. Croix spinning rods). A 5S69MLXF with 10/2 PowerPro and a 18' fluoro leader and a 4C69MLXF with straight 10/2 PowerPro. The PowerPro only rod didn't get a bite but the leadered PowerPro saw much action.

[Capt.Bob]

I ran -charters on Erie for years, I caught better fish and bigger fish using a leader. I ran 8'-10' leaders though, you don't really need the 18', being a smart @ss as I'm sure you meant 18", which I never ran them that short, usually when I got to 3 or 4' I would tie a new one on. I wont fish without one today, I get the best of both worlds, with very little extra effort!

[MrSwimJig]

I do not use a leader, but if I am fishing clearer water I will just switch to a different type of line.

[SirSnookalot]

There is no right or wrong. I'm a braid and leader man for just about everything in all water conditions. I use swivels and do not tie line to leader, my leaders are bout 20", about 30" for saltwater. I prefer a leader for 2 main reasons, in the event I tangle with the trebles a leader is much easier to unravel than braid. Secondly there is just a little bit of shock value with a leader, I like my hooksets that way.

[Dwight Hottle]

I did a little experiment during my vacation in June while fishing on Erie. 2 set-ups, almost identical (both custom St. Croix spinning rods). A 5S69MLXF with 10/2 PowerPro and a 18' fluoro leader and a 4C69MLXF with straight 10/2 PowerPro. The PowerPro only rod didn't get a bite but the leadered PowerPro saw much action.

My one buddy and I tried the same experiment while fishing a farm pond in Georgia both using wacky rigged senkos from shore. Some were caught on the straight braid but the mono leader out fished the straight braid about 3 to 1.

[South FLA]

Slow presentations use flouro leader, moving baits us braid

[S Hovanec]

I'm sure you meant 18"

No, I meant 18'. I tie them that long on my dropshot rods and tube rods and I'm able to fish all day without the need to re-tie a leader, even after several re-ties and break-offs.

[LgMouthGambler]

Down here in the swamps, I dont see a difference. I would rather have the confidence of straight braid than have to worry about fluoro or mono breaking in heavy cover.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Straight braid even with finesse?

Finesse is a state of mind, not a limit on equipment. You can finesse a one ounce jig, or power fish an eighth ounce shakey head.

After experimenting with tons of fluoros, hybrids, etc etc, I've gone back to braid for 99% of my fishing. I'll add a leader when I feel it's necessary.

[LgMouthGambler]

Straight braid even with finesse?

Umm....I dont know what finesse fishing is. I dont really do that kind of thing down here. I go straight for the juggular! Seriously though, as long as the line is thin enough you shouldnt have a problem. Use like a 20-30# braid and you should be fine, but I would rather fish a 6-8# line like YoZuri if your gonna do that kind of thing since that line is very strong for its size.

[B@ssCrzy]

I like to use a leader. Not only because of the visibility, but because I use 50# PP and so with a leader I can break off easily if I get snagged and not lose any of my braid.

[Capt.Bob]

I like to use a leader. Not only because of the visibility, but because I use 50# PP and so with a leader I can break off easily if I get snagged and not lose any of my braid.

[hatrix]

I think it might depend on presentation. If you fishing a fast moving bait compared to like a jig or worm I am not sure they get to much a chance to even see it. As of this year I have been using leader a lot just because why not give my self the best possible chances. Like others have said I also use them so I can break off and not have to actually cut the line. Although with a pair of gloves 65# braid and some muscle you can bend out the hooks on about any thing and get your lure back but not always. With a leader your gonna break off for sure so it can go either way for me.

[fishking247]

a lot of the lakes i fish become heavily weeded up in the summer. I am forced to use braid due to its ability to slice through weeds and other vegetations. mot of the time with topwater and frogs i never use a leader. when i throw my light texas rigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, senkos etc i use a leader. i think it is a confidence thing. before seriously starting to bass fish i was heavy into saltwater fishing, particulary surf fishing for striped bass. it is unheard of in saltwater to tie directly to braid, and when you do you use a leader it is generally heavier then the braid. (20lb braid to a 30-60lb flouro or mono leader depending on structure).

I think it all just comes down to confidence. i know someone who uses straight 30lb spiderwire for EVERYTHING and he has no problem catching fish. i generally run 15-20lb power pro with a 6-12lb mono leader. or straight 8lb mono. i use 30lb for frog fishing and i use NO leader.

plus do you really think a fish cares about line when they can see hooks, swivels, snaps etc on the end of your line and lures?

hope this helps

[SirSnookalot]

it is unheard of in saltwater to tie directly to braid, and when you do you use a leader it is generally heavier then the braid. (20lb braid to a 30-60lb flouro or mono leader depending on structure).

Never seen it done any other way.

[Bass Slayer 72]

I've only run straight braided for a few years now, hasn't seem to hurt our fishing seasons at all, If I'm missing out on bigger fish.....Sssshhh don't tell them that...lol

[ClackerBuzz]

Finesse is a state of mind, not a limit on equipment. You can finesse a one ounce jig, or power fish an eighth ounce shakey head.

Thanks for the food for thought next time I'm on the water (2moro!)

[rockchalk06]

In my short time using braid, I haven't noticed a difference when using a leader or not. Common sense tells me that I should so I do.

[Capt.Bob]

In my short time using braid, I haven't noticed a difference when using a leader or not. Common sense tells me that I should so I do.

I couldn't say it better!

[bigdawg74]

so with 30 or 30 power pro what size leader should i use?